Dr. Bill Haggard

Bill Haggard, associate vice chancellor for student affairs at Western Carolina University, has been named vice chancellor for student affairs at UNC Asheville. The appointment was made recently by the UNC Asheville Board of Trustees, upon the recommendation of UNC Asheville Chancellor Anne Ponder. This newly configured position at UNC Asheville reflects the next step in a reorganization designed to build an even stronger campus community that challenges each individual student to become an active participant in the superior learning experience that is the hallmark of UNC Asheville. Haggard will start his new post on July 10.

“I am excited to become a part of the leadership team of one of the premier public liberal arts institutions in the country,” said Haggard. “In our rapidly changing world, a liberal arts education that produces well-educated people, as a result of the achievement of liberal studies learning outcomes, is more important now than ever before.”

At UNC Asheville, Haggard will lead the newly formed Student Affairs division, which includes Residential Education, Citizenship Education, Housing, Dining Services, Student Activities and Integrated Learning, Highsmith University Union, Campus Recreation, Student Health Center and the Counseling Center.

In his current position, Haggard is responsible for supervising seven departments within the Student Life Division, including Counseling and Psychological Services, the University Health Center and Judicial Affairs. He oversees $3.5 million in budgets and supervises 60 full-time and more than 100 part-time employees. He played an integral role in building projects that enhance student life on campus, including the University Center expansion, Greek Village, the Health Center renovation and the pending construction of a new Indoor Campus Recreation Center. In addition, Haggard played a key role in developing Western Carolina University’s Student Affairs critical incident communication plan.

Haggard has an extensive background in student affairs. Previously, he served as Western Carolina University dean for student development, Florida State University assistant dean of students, and director of youth ministries at the First United Methodist Church in Clearwater, Fla.

He holds a doctorate in higher education from Florida State University and a master’s degree in counselor education from the University of South Florida.

Haggard and his wife, Linda, have teenage twin daughters, Amy and Sarah.